Location & Climate

Beit Jala City lies only two kilometers from the Church of the Nativity and is considered as a twinning to Bethlehem City and a natural expansion from the west especially in the sectors of Tourism, Education and health.

Beit Jala is located at an altitude of 710m-920m above the sea level, thus its climate is considered as a moderate as its average annual temperature is 17˚ C. and the average annual rainfall is 550 mm. Therefore, Beit Jala is considered one of the most beautiful summer resorts.

Beit Jala City lies only 7 km to the west south of Jerusalem and it's bordered by Beit Safafa and Sharafat village to the North, Bethlehem city to the east, Addoha city and Al-Khader village to the south, Al-Walajah and Battir to the west.

The city itself occupies some 14,000 dunums (3500 acres), much of which is occupied by fertile farmland planted primarily with traditional Palestinian crops growing in the Mediterranean climate– olive trees dating back hundreds of years, grapes, apricots, apples, and plums. Each year, Beit Jala receives just under 700mm of rain, almost all coming during a short winter, from late November too early March. During these months temperatures can become fairly chilly and rainy, with rare flurries of snow and freezing temperatures. Because of this, those visiting Beit Jala during the winter are advised to bring warmer sets of clothes for the evenings, and something to keep them dry. The summer, in contrast, is long, hot, and dry, receiving virtually no rain, with temperatures as high as 39 degrees Celsius during midday. Summer evenings, however, are pleasantly cool and breezy and might sometimes require a light sweater. During the months of April, May and June the region is affected by the hot, dry, and dusty Khamaseen winds which blow in from the Arabian Desert. Average temperatures range from 9-18° C in winter to 26- 30° C in summer. Night dew occurs and average of 180 nights out of the year.